What is Sexting?

Sexting is an act of sending sexually explicit images, photographs, or videos primarily between mobile phones. Connecticut Law, CGS 5sa-196h, does not specifically define "sexting" and does not include "messages", only "visual depictions", but does include sending or receiving such images using any "electronic communication device" such as computers and other digital services. (State of CT, module 1)

Megan's Story: A story of sexting and a lesson on how you can't get back what you post or control where it goes and who sees it.

Megan's Story

What are the general consequences of sexting?

Legal Consequences: depending on a person's age and the number of pictures sent or received, it is possible for a person to be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony offense for possession of child pornography. If a child (under 18) is adjudicated for the offense of sexting, legal consequences may include probation for period of time or even a commitment for placement in a state facility for up to 18 months. If a person 18 years or older is found guilty of the felony offense of possession of child pornography, penalties range from minimum of 1 to a maximum of 20 years in prison. (State of CT, module 2)

Social Consequences: even though you may engage in sexting just to get someone's attention or to be funny, there is a good chance it could have a negative effect on your relationships with friends or family, and even your reputation. (State of CT, module 2)

Emotional Consequences: when your relationships with friends or family are negatively affected by sexting, this can be hard on you emotionally and linger much longer than you might think. (State of CT, module 2)

Educational & Career: your decision to sext could prevent you from participating in activities at school, getting into college, or even getting a job- especially if sexually explicit pictures or videos of you end up on the Internet. (State of CT module 3)

What does the state of Connecticut recognize as sexting?

CGS 53a-196h prohibits sexting and it applies in two situations:

The knowing and voluntary transmission, by means of an electronic communications device, of a visual depiction of the sender, who is thirteen years of age or older but under the age of sixteen, engaged in sexually explicit conduct, to a person who is thirteen years of age but under that age of eighteen.

The possession, by a person who is thirteen years of age or older but under the age of eighteen, of a visual depiction of the sender, between thirteen years of age or older but under sixteen years of age, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

To break it down, to qualify for the reduced penalty of sexting, the following must all be present:

The sender must be 13, 14, or 15 years of age;

The recipient must be 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 years of age;

The sender must be the subject of the depiction (picture or video).

TAKE NOTE: When is the possession, sending, or receiving images of a person under 16 engaged in sexually explicit conduct no longer misdemeanor sexting but it becomes a felony charge?

If the sender is under 13

If the recipient is under that age of 13 or over that age of 17

If the depiction is of someone other than the sender

In these situations, the more serious child pornography or risk of injury to a minor charges may apply. (State of CT, module 3)

Source:

Above information came from the State of Connecticut, the Connecticut Youth Services Association, the Center for Children's Advocacy and the Division of Criminal Justice Chief State's Attorney's Office.